If you’re using MXToolbox to check your domain or email settings, you might come across messages like “DNS Record Published” or “DNS Record Not Found.” These messages can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to working with DNS or domain tools.
This article will explain both messages in simple language, show you why you might be seeing them, and help you figure out what to do next.
What Is MXToolbox and What Does It Check?
MXToolbox is a free tool that lets you look up DNS records for any domain. It’s often used to check things like:
- Whether your email settings are correct
- If a domain is pointing to the right server
- If SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records are published correctly
- Whether your DNS is working as expected
You just enter your domain name, choose the type of record you want to check (like MX, A, or TXT), and MXToolbox shows you the results.
What Are DNS Records?
DNS (Domain Name System) records are instructions that tell the internet how to handle things related to your domain. Each record type has a job.
Here are a few examples:
- A record points your domain to an IP address (for websites)
- MX record tells where to deliver your email
- TXT record is used for security like SPF, DKIM, and domain verification
- CNAME points one domain name to another
DNS records are managed through your domain registrar or DNS hosting service.
What “DNS Record Published” Means on MXToolbox
When MXToolbox shows “DNS Record Published,” that’s a good sign. It means:
- The DNS record you searched for exists
- It was found in the public DNS
- It is live and visible to the internet
This means your setup is working as expected. If you were adding a new record for email or verification, it means the world can now see it.
What “DNS Record Not Found” Means on MXToolbox
If you see “DNS Record Not Found,” it means MXToolbox could not find the DNS record you’re looking for. This could happen for several reasons — not all of them mean something is broken.
In most cases, it just means the record either hasn’t been added yet, hasn’t spread across the internet (DNS propagation), or was entered incorrectly.
Common Reasons a DNS Record Is Not Found
If your DNS record isn’t showing up, here are some of the most common reasons:
- The record hasn’t been created yet
- The domain or subdomain was typed wrong
- The record was added but is still waiting for propagation
- The DNS server being checked doesn’t have the latest info
- The TTL (Time to Live) is set too high, causing delay
- You’re using private or internal DNS settings that aren’t public
Most of the time, it’s not a serious problem — just a matter of waiting or double-checking settings.
How Long Does It Take for DNS Records to Publish?
DNS records don’t update instantly. After you add or change a record, it can take time to appear across the internet. This delay is called DNS propagation.
- It usually takes a few minutes to a few hours
- In some cases, it may take up to 48 hours
- Propagation time depends on your TTL setting (a value set for each record)
- Some ISPs cache DNS longer, which can delay updates for certain users
So if you just added a new DNS record and MXToolbox says “not found,” don’t panic — give it some time.
What to Do If the DNS Record Is Not Showing
Here are a few things you can do if your DNS record isn’t showing up on MXToolbox:
- Check your DNS provider’s dashboard to make sure the record is added
- Double-check spelling, hostnames, and record type
- Wait at least 15–30 minutes before checking again
- Use other tools like Google Admin Toolbox or Dig Web Interface
- Try viewing it from a different network or browser
- Clear your local DNS cache (using
ipconfig /flushdnson Windows) - Contact your DNS provider or registrar if it still doesn’t show up
Some tools also let you choose different DNS servers to test against, which can help identify if the issue is local or global.
Final Thoughts
When using MXToolbox, seeing “DNS Record Published” means things are working. Seeing “DNS Record Not Found” doesn’t always mean there’s a problem — it could just be a matter of timing, typos, or DNS settings that need to finish updating.
Take your time, check the basics, and wait for DNS propagation. If it still doesn’t show up after a few hours or days, then it’s time to contact support.
Found this helpful? Share it with others setting up their domains or email — it might save them time too.
